Chapter 134 - Chapter 134:129 Chapter Private Chat_i (1/2)
Chapter 134:129 Chapter Private Chat_i
Translator: 549690339 I
Qin Niu emerged from the house upon hearing the two seeking an audience.
“Greetings, Master Qin!”
The pair bowed in unison, performing the proper courtesy.
In this world, social hierarchy was strictly observed, with commoners required to show reverence to the privileged class through formal greetings. If they encountered someone of high status and power, they would even need to kneel and pay homage with a grand salute.
“Master Qin, following your guidance, we established a buffer zone and raised a large number of chickens and ducks in it, and we have initially achieved results. A large portion of the locusts entering the village has been intercepted and become food for the chickens and ducks.”
Xu Zhenchang reported on the progress.
“At least nine-tenths must be stopped for it to be considered a success. Can only some be stopped? Take me to see.”
Qin Niu wasn’t very satisfied with the outcome after hearing this.
The three of them arrived at the entrance of the village and saw two fields fenced off according to Qin Niu’s instructions, with nets set up at both ends. Locusts migrated in batches from the outside.
They surged forward in relentless waves, seemingly endless.
There were about two to three hundred chickens and ducks kept within the buffer zone.
Having clearly satiated themselves, they only casually chased after the incoming locusts, driven by predatory instinct.
“We don’t have enough ducks!”
Qin Niu immediately identified the crux of the problem.
“I’ve already sent people to purchase ducks. It shouldn’t take long to bring back over a thousand.”
Wang Furen said from the side.
This shrewd Wang Furen must have spotted a new business opportunity, hence his haste to make arrangements.
“Given the current number of locusts, a thousand might not even be enough. Wang Uncle, having been in commerce for many years, must be familiar with various places. What is the going rate for a duck now?”
Qin Niu’s expenses were considerable. Faced with this wave of insect calamity, he too wished to turn a profit.
Ducks consumed more and digested faster.
Their egg-laying rate was higher than chickens.
They were also flexible hunters, on both water and land.
Using them against the locusts was a major asset.
Seizing this opportunity to purchase a large number of ducks, he could make a substantial profit when reselling them later.
“A fully grown duck locally costs 17 wen each, while a year-old hen goes for about 30 wen each.”
“What about half-grown ducks?”
“They are not easy to purchase locally. If you need a large quantity, you can go to Pingshui for lake ducks. It’s estimated that you could find them for about seven or eight wen each.”
“In that case, I commission Wang Uncle to purchase three thousand half- grown ducks for me, just enough to help our Shuangfeng Village stop the locust disaster. You won’t be running about for nothing; I’ll settle the labor and travel expenses later.”
Qin Niu still had some silver money.
The locust disaster was formidable. Merely buying a thousand ducks would likely be insufficient.
Half-grown ducks ate more than mature ones and had plenty of vitality, making them more effective at catching locusts.
“It’s an honor for Wang to contribute to Shuangfeng Village. I’ll set off first thing tomorrow morning. Pingshui isn’t too far from here. If I take a shortcut, I should be able to return in at most three days. However, I’ll definitely need to take the main road back, which is nearly two hundred li away, so I estimate that we’ll need to rent four or five horse carts to transport the ducks back. This expense is expected to be five or six coins of silver money.”
Horse carts were considered a luxurious mode of transport, favored for their speed but quite expensive.
“Then calculate, approximately how much money will suffice for all the expenses?”
Wang Furen did some quick calculations.
“Twenty-five taels of silver should be more than enough. If there’s no price hike for ducks, the total cost might even be lower.”
“Here are twenty-six taels of silver. Take it, Wang Uncle, and handle this task tomorrow. This matter affects the whole village’s grain supply. You can select a few able-bodied men from the village to accompany you. I’ll settle their wages afterwards.”
Qin Niu was generous, handing over twenty-six taels of silver to Wang Furen on the spot.
He wasn’t worried about Wang Furen taking the money and absconding.
If he dared to flee, Wang Wanyan—Wang Furen’s property—would all belong to Qin Niu.
“Village chief, wouldn’t you like to buy some ducks too? You might be able to make a tidy sum!”
Wang Furen turned to Xu Zhenchang.
“I won’t be buying any. With the locust disaster still unresolved and huge household expenses, if this year’s harvest is poor, I need to save more money to pay the Yan Family land rent.”
Xu Zhenchang dare not take that risk.
He had leased a lot of land, and the annual rent was substantial.
When it came to amassing wealth, this young upstart certainly couldn’t compete with Wang Furen.
“The village chief is a prudent man, valuing credibility—very good!”
Wang Furen praised Xu Zhenchang before going back to arrange for manpower to accompany him in buying ducks, something he did not mention further.
Two days passed in a blink of an eye.
After Wang Furen departed, Wang Wanyan also had a rare couple of days without anyone to oversee her.
She had the servants make some meat pies and sent some over to Qin Niu.
“Master Qin, I don’t know if these meat pies are to your taste!” This time, Wang Wanyan brought over half a basket of meat pies. If Wang Furen saw this, he would probably feel the pinch again.
“Just call me Air Niu! The house isn’t finished yet, and there’s nowhere clean to ask you to sit!” Qin Niu always had a special feeling for Miss Wang.
“Standing to chat is quite alright! I think the layout of your estate is wonderful. Once it’s built, it will surely be extraordinarily comfortable to live in.” She stood in the front courtyard, surveying Qin Niu’s new residence.
Upon seeing Xiao Qing, she immediately waved and said, “Xiao Qing, come eat some meat pies! I had Aunt Wu make them just now, and they’re still warm!” Xiao Qing, having had some exposure to the world, wasn’t timid at all.